Jeannie Mai is opening up about one of the most challenging chapters of her life: her divorce from rapper Jeezy. Speaking candidly on the January 29 episode of iHeartRadio’s Question Everything podcast, the 47-year-old revealed how she navigated heartbreak while remaining optimistic about love.
“It’s one of the greatest pains that any human has to endure, honestly,” Mai said. “Divorce is just — it’s experiencing death alive.”
Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins, filed for divorce from Mai in September 2023 after two years of marriage. Despite the emotional difficulties, Mai says the experience ultimately brought clarity and what she describes as “the greatest awakening.”
“You never wish to corrupt something that’s so planned and intended to be forever,” she reflected. Mai emphasized that she still cherishes the positive moments in their relationship, including the birth of their daughter, Monaco, in January 2022. The little girl recently celebrated her fourth birthday.
“I’m never gonna regret that I got married because I’m so thankful to have experienced love in so many different ways,” Mai continued. “Now I just have to — instead of experiencing love, ’cause I’ve got that down — I have to define what healthy love looks like for me.”
Mai’s journey through heartbreak isn’t new. She was previously married to Freddy Harteis from 2007 until their divorce in 2018. She went on to marry Jeezy in March 2021, and they welcomed their daughter the following year.
The television host and mom of one expressed gratitude that her daughter was still young during the separation and the subsequent legal proceedings. “It’s a blessing that Monaco was only a toddler when we went through this,” Mai said, underscoring her focus on shielding her child from conflict while prioritizing her own emotional growth.
Through the ups and downs, Mai has emerged reflective, empowered, and committed to understanding the kind of love she wants for her future.
